Columbus Park Renaming Debate Draws Community Input in Binghamton
Binghamton, NY – A proposal to rename Columbus Park in Binghamton sparked discussion adn divided opinions at a recent community meeting, as residents weighed the park’s historical importance against calls for a name reflecting a more inclusive past. The park, with a complex history of name changes, is currently the subject of a city survey seeking public feedback.
Columbus Park has undergone several transformations as its inception. Originally established as Sherman Place Park, it became Carroll Street Playground in 1928, dedicated to the children of Binghamton’s 7th and 8th wards, and added new playground equipment and a wave pool. Following resident relocation during a 1955 expansion, the park reopened in 1959 as Columbus Park.
The current debate centers on whether the park’s name should be changed to better represent the diverse community it serves. At the meeting, residents voiced passionate arguments on both sides of the issue.
Brenda Brown, a Binghamton-area resident who moved to the area for IBM employment, emphasized the importance of preserving the park’s connection to local history. “I treasure this community, I treasure my relationship with Trinity AME Zion as if I wouldn’t have had it, where would my kids be today? They all have that memory of Trinity and Columbus Park,” she said. ”I want to do everything that I can to keep that memory active and alive.”
Former Binghamton Mayor Richard Bucci argued against renaming the park, highlighting the significance of Christopher Columbus to Italian Americans.”As the son and grandson of Italian immigrants,I learned firsthand of their trials and tribulation,” Bucci said. “During these struggles, Christopher Columbus became a symbol of pride and achievement for Italian Americans.”
other residents suggested choice solutions. Craig McFarland proposed the possibility of a dual naming system, acknowledging the potential to honor multiple community figures. “There’s a lot of folks in this community that could actually be blessed with the name,” he stated.
The city is currently collecting public input through an online survey available at https://binghamton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_29OvwFiWc6dyv0a?Q_CHL=qr. Residents are encouraged to participate in the process.